# Captain Frederick Wentworth — Persuasion character guide

> Captain Frederick Wentworth in Persuasion by Jane Austen.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Captain Wentworth, Wentworth, Frederick Wentworth, Frederick, IX Captain Wentworth

**First appearance:** 0003-iv

## Snapshot

A confident, self-made naval captain who has returned from the sea with a fortune and a grudge, ready to marry anyone brisk and uncomplicated — or so he tells himself.

## Who they are

Wentworth earned his rank and wealth through daring and luck, and the world now treats him as a prize. Eight years ago Anne Elliot refused him; he has not forgotten, and his easy, energetic manner with the Musgrove girls is partly a performance of having moved on. His arrival at Uppercross sets the whole plot in motion, forcing both former lovers to test whether old feeling can survive pride and time.

## In the story

### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/iv)

The former fiancé of Anne, now a successful naval captain whose sister is moving to Kellynch.

### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/vi)

Captain Wentworth is mentioned as expected in the neighborhood, causing Anne distress.

### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/vii)

Returns to the neighborhood, avoids Anne, and declares he is ready to marry any pleasing young woman except her.

### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/viii)

Engages in conversation about naval matters, shows polite but distant behavior toward Anne, and receives admiration from the Musgrove sisters.

### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/ix)

Becomes a regular at Uppercross, charming the Musgroves and causing romantic tension.

### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/x)

Engages in lively chat with the Musgrove sisters, shows more attention to Louisa, and responds with admiration to her bold declaration.

### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xi)

Returns to Uppercross after visiting Captain Harville in Lyme; proposes the trip to Lyme; leads talk with Captain Harville during the evening.

### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xii)

Captain Wentworth notices the stranger's admiration for Anne, reacts with a mix of jealousy and recognition. He is devoted to Henrietta during the journey and shows trust in Anne's judgment.

### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xiii)

Visits Kellynch briefly, brings news of Louisa, and is reported to be fixed in Lyme, showing continued concern for Louisa's recovery.

### [Chapter XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xiv)

Captain Wentworth's spirits are recovering as Louisa improves; he plans to visit his brother in Shropshire.

### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xviii)

His letter confirms the engagement; Anne considers his unshackled state with mixed feelings.

### [Chapter XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xix)

Appears uncomfortable and embarrassed upon seeing Anne; his manner suggests change or lingering emotion.

### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xx)

Appears grave and irresolute at first, but gradually shows signs of returning tenderness; expresses jealousy of Mr. Elliot and speaks of Louisa Musgrove's inferiority.

### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xxi)

Anne's enduring affection for him is confirmed; she muses that her love will be his forever.

### [Chapter XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xxii)

Attentive to Anne during the dispute about the play, engages her in a meaningful exchange about the passage of eight and a half years.

### [Chapter XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xxiii)

Listens to Anne's conversation with Harville, writes a letter expressing his feelings, and later walks with Anne to renew their engagement, admitting his past pride and jealousy.

### [Chapter XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xxiv)

Wentworth marries Anne, now esteemed by Sir Walter due to his fortune and profession, and he helps Mrs. Smith recover her husband's property.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/characters/captain_wentworth
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/characters